The chaste tree is a small tree or bush native of the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is cultivated in most sub-tropical areas of the world and has become naturalised in many regions.

...it is said that in the Middle Ages the tree’s leaves and flowers were chewed by monks to help them maintain their vow of celibacy- Paul Portelli

The tree is believed to be indigenous to the Maltese islands and is found mostly in Gozo. It that retain water for at least part of the year.

A dense grove can be found at Dwejra in Gozo. The chaste tree is well known for its medicinal properties but the trees at Dwejra were probably planted for their branches, which, being pliable, can be woven to make baskets and fish traps.

In summer the chaste tree produces beautiful, bluish-purple flowers. The black, pepper-like seeds become ripe in autumn.

In Maltese the chaste tree is known by several names. It is called siġra tal-virgi, għadiba and bżar tal-patrijiet. The latter name is similar to another English name – monk’s pepper.

In the past it was believed that a potion made from the pepper-like seeds could act as an anaphrodisiac, meaning it could reduce sexual desires.

In fact, it is said that in the Middle Ages the tree’s leaves and flowers were chewed by monks to help them maintain their vow of celibacy.

The scientific name of the chaste tree is Vitex agnus-castus: vitex is derived from the Greek word vieo meaning to weave while agnus and castus are chaste in Greek and Latin.

Whether its anaphrodisiac property is true is still to be proven scientifically but other medicinal properties have been investigated.

Research has shown that chemicals in the berries have a progesterogenic effect and extracts from the plant are used in the management of premenstrual stress syndrome (PMS) and cyclical breast pain (mastalgia). Extracts can be bought from pharmacists as agnus-castus.

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